By Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman
Some of the most meaningful stories I’ve ever heard from children about their parents begin the same way: “Mom and Dad met at the synagogue dance”, or “They bumped into each other at a concert at the shul”. The shul wasn’t just a building—it was the center of life. It was where people gathered, laughed, lingered, built friendships, and found a sense of belonging. It was where Jewish life happened, naturally and joyfully.
Temple Beth Zion is a diamond gem in the heart of beautiful Buffalo, once known as the City of Lights. But a gem only shines when people gather around it. Our mission is to bring people together—across generations, backgrounds, faiths, and denominations—into this sacred and welcoming space. Here, beneath the magnificent stained glass with the hand of God reaching out, we gather not just to observe beauty, but to be part of it.
In this space, the creative brilliance of the artist performing in our Stained Glass concerts are placed directly before that outstretched hand, as if being offered upward, reminding us that community, creativity, and connection are holy acts. When we come together here—through music, shared experiences, and simple presence—we create the conditions for something powerful: lifelong friendships, meaningful bonds, and moments that shape who we are.
And who knows? Perhaps someone will even meet their beshert.
Our hope is that years from now, the next generation will tell their own stories and say, “We met at Temple Beth Zion—at a concert, at a gathering, at a moment when our community came together.” Because when we gather as a Jewish community, we don’t just fill a space—we light it up, together. Our season this year will feature some of our Buffalo’s finest talent from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Theater and Cabaret scene, and we will showcase the talents of some of our wonderful clergy and musical leaders from area congregations.
Susan Lewis-Friedman is the Cantor of Temple Beth Zion and an educator with Buffalo Jewish Federation. Check out her album, Sing, Pray, Repeat here!
